Federal prosecutors in D.C. have officially dropped all charges against trans advocate James McIntyre, who was arrested last December after Rep. Nancy Mace dramatically claimed he assaulted her with — wait for it — a firm handshake. The case, which drew side-eyes across Capitol Hill and outrage from the LGBTQ+ community, ended with a quiet one-line dismissal by the Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney. No explanation, no apology, just a file-it-and-forget-it move.
McIntyre, a well-known advocate for youth in foster care, was accused by Mace of intentionally injuring her wrist in what witnesses described as nothing more than an intense handshake during a public reception. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the Foster Care Independence Act — and McIntyre’s words to Mace were clear and calm: “Trans youth are also foster youth, and they need your support.” According to multiple people in the room, the only aggressive thing about the exchange was Mace’s reaction.
Despite no hospital visit, no x-rays, and no evidence beyond a sling she wore weeks later, Mace went full-theatrics, branding McIntyre’s gesture a “violent attack.” She told the press she was still in pain and that the act was “intentional.” The internet had a field day. Memes were made. And still, Mace clung to the narrative that a transgender man trying to advocate for vulnerable youth somehow posed a physical threat.
A Political Stunt Unraveled
The real gag? McIntyre was arrested on-site, cuffed, and publicly shamed — while Mace basked in right-wing praise for her so-called bravery. “By falsely accusing me of a violent crime and having me jailed, Congresswoman Mace demonstrated her desire to criminalize anyone who advocates for the needs of our trans youth,” McIntyre said. “Her actions are fundamentally connected to the broader effort by the Trump administration to criminalize protected speech.”
The dropped case confirms what LGBTQ+ advocates have said from the beginning: this was never about safety. It was political theater designed to smear trans people as dangerous and disruptive. And unfortunately, McIntyre — a man recognized for his work in foster care and named “Public Citizen of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers — became collateral damage in that culture war.
Eyewitnesses, Logic, and Common Sense
Multiple people at the scene said they witnessed nothing even close to assault. Elliott Hinkle, another foster care advocate present during the handshake heard ‘round the right-wing internet, summed it up: “What we witnessed was a handshake — a passionate shake, but it didn’t look like an assault or intended aggression.” In other words, it was only shocking if you’re already looking to criminalize trans folks.
Yet Mace isn’t letting go. She released another pearl-clutching statement this week: “I will not back down. I will not be intimidated. And I sure as hell won’t stay silent.” Ma’am, we wish you would.
This whole ordeal is just the latest entry in a string of anti-trans stunts from Mace, who alongside Rep. Lauren Boebert, recently chased a cisgender woman they thought was trans out of a Capitol bathroom. The duo later apologized — to the cis woman, not the entire trans community they regularly target.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about a legal case that should never have happened — it’s about the toxic environment facing trans advocates, especially those who dare speak truth to power. The LGBTQ+ community sees through these scare tactics. When a trans person is arrested for a handshake while bigots with platforms go unchecked, the message is clear: silence yourself or be punished.
But James McIntyre’s message couldn’t be more defiant. “We will never stop working to protect vulnerable young people, no matter who is in power,” he said. And that’s the kind of strength that doesn’t need both hands — just a spine of steel.